Van Persie expected to return

Robin van Persie is expected to be fit for Manchester United's Premier League game against Stoke on Saturday after missing Wednesday's Champions League win over Real Sociedad.

Manager David Moyes took the precautionary measure of leaving out his top scorer, who had problems with his groin and two toes, but does not believe it is a long-term issue.

He said: "I hope he will be fit for the weekend. He has had a couple of niggling injuries even before he went on international duty. They have all just caught up on him a bit so I thought if I had a chance to give him a breather I would do and fortunately for us it worked out fine."

In Van Persie's absence, Javier Hernandez led the line against Sociedad while Moyes praised Wayne Rooney for his "incredible" work rate this season after the forward set up United's winner, which was an Inigo Martinez own goal.

"I was going to say he was back to the old Wayne Rooney but it might be better to say he is the new Wayne Rooney," Moyes added. "He has been great around the club.

"I really couldn't explain how hard he has worked, he has been incredible the work he has put in and the extra training he has put in. Hopefully in the end, Manchester United will benefit and England might as well."